740.00115 European War 1939/23: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17—12:20 p.m.]
Following from Berlin.
“33, September 16, noon. Notify Foreign Office. Repeat to the Department. Reference your telegram No. 4, September 13, 4 p.m. German Foreign Office to which I communicated its substance by memorandum has orally observed that text of British alien enemy registration law is not informative as to actual British procedure respecting German citizens now in British territory. In order that further consideration may be given by German authorities to the possible revocation of existing internment order affecting British subjects of military age, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs would [Page 640] like to have precise information on the following points: (1) Does the British Government propose to permit the departure of Germans from the United Kingdom and also from British colonies, protectorates and mandated areas on condition of reciprocity, and if so, (2) what is the procedure by which German citizens may be enabled to leave British territory. As regards status of nationals of Dominions in Germany see my 30. In the interest of the British subjects now interned, I urge a prompt decision and telegraphic reply. Kirk.”
Am advising Foreign Office.